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In an increasingly digital world, handwriting instruction has slowly faded from many classrooms. However, Pennsylvania is taking a different approach. With the passage of Act 2, the state now requires public and private schools to incorporate cursive handwriting instruction into the writing curriculum at appropriate grade levels.
For school districts, this change is more than a curriculum update. The change highlights the continued importance of fine motor development and handwriting skills, areas where school-based occupational therapists (OTs) play a critical role.
Pennsylvania’s new legislation mandates that students receive instruction in printing, joined italics, and cursive handwriting as part of their formal writing education. The law amends the state’s Public-School Code to ensure handwriting remains a foundational academic skill taught alongside core subjects.
The policy reflects a growing national trend, as many states have reintroduced cursive instruction after it was reduced or eliminated during the transition to technology-focused standards in the early 2010s.
Supporters of the legislation emphasize that cursive writing supports several key areas of child development. Research cited during the legislative process highlights how handwriting practice can:
Writing in cursive requires coordinated finger movements, motor planning, and sustained attention, all which are foundational skills that support broader academic success.
For occupational therapists working in schools, handwriting is already a frequent area of intervention. Many students receiving occupational therapy services have goals related to:
Because cursive writing requires fluid, connected movements rather than starting and stopping with each letter, some students actually find cursive easier and more efficient once foundational skills are established.
The renewed emphasis on handwriting also provides opportunities for OTs to collaborate more closely with teachers during early elementary grades when writing skills are still developing.
As schools reintroduce cursive instruction, occupational therapists can support implementation in several ways:
Classroom consultation
OTs can help teachers incorporate fine motor warm-ups and handwriting strategies into daily routines.
Early skill screening
Therapists can identify students who may struggle with handwriting before difficulties significantly impact academic participation.
Intervention and skill development
Targeted therapy can address underlying motor or visual-motor challenges that make writing difficult.
Handwriting remains an essential academic skill even in classrooms that rely heavily on technology. Students still need to write notes, complete assignments, and develop legible signatures for real-world tasks.
Pennsylvania’s decision to reintroduce cursive instruction reinforces the importance of foundational writing skills and highlights the valuable role occupational therapists play in supporting student success!
